🐟 Bala Shark / Tricolor Sharkminnow – (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)
The Bala Shark, also called the Tricolor Sharkminnow, is a sleek, fast-swimming freshwater fish prized for its striking silver body and bold black-edged fins accented with white tips. Despite its shark-like appearance, it is peaceful and schooling by nature, making it a popular choice for large community tanks. However, its potential size and active swimming behavior require a spacious aquarium.
🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for juveniles; 180+ gallons ideal for adults
🌊 Prefers well-oxygenated water with moderate current
🪵 Provide open swimming areas with some plants or decorations for cover
🍤 Omnivorous — accepts flake, pellets, live, and frozen foods
🐟 Enjoys a varied diet including plant matter, insects, and small crustaceans
🐠 Peaceful and social — best kept in groups of 5 or more
🚫 Not aggressive but may outgrow small or slow-moving tankmates
🌡️ Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
💧 pH: 6.5–7.5
📏 Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm) in captivity
⚠️ Very active swimmer — requires a large tank with secure lid
🌊 Sensitive to poor water quality — regular maintenance needed
🔖 Scientific Name | Balantiocheilos melanopterus |
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🐟 Common Name | Bala Shark / Tricolor Sharkminnow |
🌎 Origin | Southeast Asia |
📏 Size | Up to 14 inches (35 cm) |
🌡️ Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
💧 pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
🐟 Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
🏠 Tank Size | 125+ gallons |
🍽️ Diet | Omnivorous |
💡 The Bala Shark is a striking and energetic schooling fish, perfect for large, well-maintained community tanks with plenty of swimming space and companions of its own kind.